Why isn't the mirror test a good measure of cat intelligence?

The mirror test isn't a good measure of cat intelligence because it primarily assesses visual self-recognition, a skill not central to how cats perceive themselves or the world. Cats rely heavily on scent, sound, and touch for identification, often ignoring visual reflections. While some animals like chimpanzees and dolphins pass the test, a cat's "failure" doesn't indicate a lack of intelligence, but rather a different sensory processing hierarchy. Explore our full article to learn more about feline cognition!